Contents

SynopsisCodesDrug Reaction DataReferences
Drug-induced weakness
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Drug-induced weakness

Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Loss of strength following use of certain medications or substances. Often presenting with fatigue, lethargy, and difficulty performing ordinary tasks such as climbing stairs, walking, bending, or lifting. May be described as diminished muscular strength or general weakness. Substances that may cause weakness include alcohol, corticosteroids, stimulants, opioids, antihypertensives, antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, antihistamines, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, monoclonal antibody agents, anxiolytics, antigout agents, antidiabetics, and chemotherapeutic agents.

Management depends on the causative agents and the physiologic impairment. Adjusting medications, eliminating drug interactions, and monitoring thyroid levels and electrolytes, can help reduce the drug-induced adverse effects that cause weakness.

Related topic: Drug-Induced Fatigue

Codes

ICD10CM:
R53.1 – Weakness
T50.995A – Adverse effect of other drugs, medicaments and biological substances, initial encounter

SNOMEDCT:
13791008 – Asthenia
278993004 – Drug-induced

Drug Reaction Data

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References

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Last Updated:01/17/2017
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Drug-induced weakness
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A medical illustration showing key findings of Drug-induced weakness : Generalized weakness
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